Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata: Your Ultimate Weeknight Indulgence
Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce infused with the bright, fragrant essence of fresh basil. This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta is a celebration of simple flavors, elevated by the addition of a decadent Burrata, adding a cool, milky richness that melts into every bite. An effortlessly elegant dish, perfect for a Quick Weeknight Meal or a comforting weekend meal, guaranteed to satisfy any craving. This isn't just a Pasta recipe; it's a hug in a bowl, a vibrant symphony of flavors that comes together in Under 30 minutes, proving that gourmet taste doesn't require hours in the kitchen. 🍝
Life is busy, and finding time for a delicious, home-cooked meal often feels like a puzzle with missing pieces. That's why we at FlavorTrailRecipes are thrilled to bring you this incredible easy recipe. It's designed to be quick and easy, using readily available ingredients, making it ideal for those hectic evenings. You don't need to be a culinary wizard to whip up this Italian food masterpiece; just follow our simple steps, and you'll have a heartwarming Dinner idea on the table in no time. Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight into an extraordinary culinary experience!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Theme | Quick Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food |
Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show ✨
- 340g (12 oz) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne – choose your favorite noodle canvas!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (the golden liquid that kicks off our flavor journey)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic is the soul of this Tomato sauce!)
- 794g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (the heart of our creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, dreamy texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (umami bomb!)
- 1/4 cup fresh Basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish (the fragrant hero)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle warmth that tingles)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (the foundation of all great flavors)
- 2 balls (about 227g/8oz total) Burrata cheese (the crowning glory, rich and creamy)
Instructions: Crafting Your Masterpiece Step-by-Step 🧑🍳
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water! This liquid gold will help bind our sauce and pasta together beautifully. 💧
- While your pasta is dancing in the pot, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be vigilant here; we want golden, aromatic garlic, not burnt bits! 🔥
- Now, it's time to build our flavorful Tomato sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the sugar (to mellow out the tomato's acidity), and add the red pepper flakes if you're craving a little kick. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this vibrant concoction to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. 🍅🌶️
- Stir in the heavy cream, transforming our robust tomato base into a velvety dream. Then, fold in the Parmesan cheese, which will add a delightful savory depth. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, watching as the sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of your spoon like a luxurious blanket. 🧀
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the simmering tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens, as the pasta soaks up all that incredible flavor. ✨
- Finally, stir in the fresh, chopped Basil. The warmth of the sauce will release its aromatic oils, infusing the entire dish with its signature fragrance. You'll instantly feel transported to an Italian countryside! 🌿
- Divide the pasta among your serving bowls. This is the moment for our showstopper: gently place a whole ball of cool, creamy Burrata cheese on top of each bowl. Watch it glisten, ready to be broken open. 🤤
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh Basil leaves for a pop of color and an extra burst of aroma.
- Serve immediately and prepare for happy sighs! This Dinner idea is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the warm pasta to gently melt the Burrata as you dig in.
Expert Tips & Variations: Elevate Your Pasta Game 🚀
- Ingredient Substitution Superpowers: If you can't find Burrata, don't fret! Fresh mozzarella or even dollops of creamy ricotta cheese make fantastic substitutes, offering a similar milky richness. For those looking for a dairy-free version, simply swap the heavy cream for cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water until smooth) and omit the Parmesan and Burrata. The Tomato sauce and Basil flavors will still shine!
- Flavor Boosters for the Bold: For an even deeper, more concentrated Tomato sauce flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of tomato paste along with the crushed tomatoes. It adds an incredible umami punch! Feeling adventurous? A splash (about 1/4 cup) of good quality vodka added with the crushed tomatoes and simmered until almost evaporated can create a richer, more complex "penne alla vodka" style sauce without being overpowering. This is truly an Italian food secret for depth!
- Add Some Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Sauté some thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the garlic in step 2. They will cook down beautifully into the sauce.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for an aromatic twist. This Easy recipe is incredibly adaptable!
- Protein Power-Up: Transform this vegetarian delight into a more substantial meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage to the sauce in step 4. It's a fantastic way to make this Dinner idea even heartier.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving): Fuel for Your Day 📊
Please note, these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consider this a general guide for this delightful Pasta recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fat: 30g
Serving Suggestion: The Perfect Pairing 🍷🥗
To complete this exquisite Quick Weeknight Meal, serve your Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully. For an authentic Italian food experience, pair it with a glass of medium-bodied Italian red wine, like a Chianti or a Montepulciano. If you prefer non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a lemon wedge is equally refreshing.
Ready for More FlavorTrail Recipes?
Loved this Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta? We have a treasure trove of delicious and easy recipe ideas waiting for you! Visit our blog for more Quick Weeknight Meal solutions, Italian food inspiration, and comforting Dinner ideas that will make every meal a celebration. Happy cooking! Explore more at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com